Samoan mother of 7 is victim of foul play in Washington State

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A Samoan mother of seven, in her 30s was found dead Monday morning, December 18, 2023, in Oakland Madrona Park, Tacoma, Washington.

Mrs. Ngaire Tusi was well-known in her community, according to family members, and a “beloved mother, sister and friend who will be dearly missed,” Fox 13 Seattle news reported.

Found under the picnic shelter at the park, police who processed the scene confirmed that it was “indeed a homicide” and is” being treated as such”.

One of the neighbors said his wife “heard something loud overnight, but the park is poorly lit, and it’s not uncommon to hear noises that sound like gunfire in the area.”

The media outlet reported that police say she was beaten and shot and left in the park until someone spotted her under a picnic table and called the police.

Family members told Fox 13 that “Tusi was a good person and well-known in her community.

“They say she was the type of person that would try to solve other people's problems and would often try to mediate for people or ‘talk them down’ if they were frustrated.  

“They did not want to talk on camera for safety reasons Monday.”

Neighbors told Fox 13 said that they hope the city cracks down on the violence and other activity that is playing out in the park. 

"There is a shooting, at least once a night, we call about gunshots," said one of the neighbors. 

To date, no arrests have been made in the case.

Crime Stoppers of Tacoma-Pierce County are asking the public for any information on the killer.

Mrs. Nagaire Tusi has roots in American Samoa, where she grew up and went to school, graduating from Tafuna High School. She was from Iliili and her maiden name was Aasa.

Our condolences go out to her family in their time of sorrow.